Wayne, MI
Population 17,413 · Michigan
About Wayne, MI
Wayne is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 17,413 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,467 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wayne features a median home value of $142,200, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wayne one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $924, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,727 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (4,087 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,978 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wayne shows an unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wayne have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of Wayne residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wayne, MI
Compared to national averages, Wayne has a median household income of $54,467 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $142,200, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $924 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Wayne's income is 17% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 22% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Wayne, MI?
Wayne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $142,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $924/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,467) that falls below the national average. However, Wayne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wayne has a population of 17,413 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Wayne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Wayne
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenison | 17,334 | $86,063 | $257,600 | Compare |
| Wixom | 17,126 | $68,319 | $336,200 | Compare |
| Trenton | 18,242 | $78,565 | $202,400 | Compare |
| Grosse Pointe Woods | 16,177 | $129,442 | $322,500 | Compare |
| Grandville | 16,135 | $78,551 | $251,100 | Compare |
| Haslett | 19,025 | $74,164 | $269,200 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 19,156 | $91,732 | $233,600 | Compare |
| Mount Clemens | 15,567 | $57,663 | $169,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wayne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wayne
What is the population of Wayne, MI?
The population of Wayne, MI is 17,413 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Wayne?
The median household income in Wayne, MI is $54,467 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wayne?
The median home value in Wayne, MI is $142,200, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wayne?
The median monthly rent in Wayne, MI is $924, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wayne?
The unemployment rate in Wayne, MI is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wayne, MI a good place to live?
Wayne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,413 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wayne, MI?
15.5% of residents in Wayne aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wayne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wayne, MI: median home value is $142,200 (42% below national), median rent is $924/month, and median household income is $54,467. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wayne?
The poverty rate in Wayne, MI is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wayne, MI?
Wayne's population is 3.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 25.3% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.